THE GLOBAL CIVIC POLICY SOCIETYdocuments of early Vancouver and beyond
The Board of Works is authorized to dig a trench along the water course from Pender Street to Water Street, and plow under “decayed vegetable matter and rotten wood” presenting a fire hazard. Owners of the lots in question will be charged for clearing. Fire by-law completed and sent for printing.
Royal City Planing Mills allowed to lay a pipe from Harris Street to their mills on False Creek. Construction of an inclined roadway at Station No 1 (north end of Carrall Street) and a tank at Station No 2 (Cordova Street between Abbott and Cambie. The City to advertise for a Treasurer, salary twenty five dollars per month, to furnish security (be bonded for) fifteen thousand dollars.
Only $89 was reported as received from Police Court fines, which was thought to be “an unreasonably low sum.” Further to the Special Assessment for the improvement of Water Street, the rule was established, “Where the property in any block is especially benefited by the proposed improvements the rate per front-footage shall be uniform irrespective of the assessed value.”
The photo above shows Water Street about four weeks after the Fire. This development of Water Street had been planned before the Fire, and amended to include about $200 to replace the sidewalk lost during the Fire. At the June 30, 1886 meeting, Council adopts a report from City Engineer regarding the rates on Water Street to finance this development.
Council met in the Relief Committee Tent. City Clerk to write to John D. Ronald accepting the terms he offered for the purchase of a Fire Engine in May. City Clerk also to write to manufacturers of fire bells for future City purchase.
The photo above was taken on June 14, 1886, the day after the Great Fire. City Debentures amounting to $4,500 to be sold for 5 years at 6% interest, secured by special tax on Water Street properties. Decision to purchase “Mr. Ronald’s Fire Engine” finalized. Fire By-Law to be introduced at the next Council meeting. City Clerk authorized to contract with McDonald and Cameron for work on Water Street at a cost of $3,800, to be paid 60 days from the date of the contract.
Map published by H.B. Smith endorsed as official Map of the City. Liquor By-Law No. 5 finalized and sent to British Columbia Gazette for publication.
Communication received from Dr. McGuigan re: Voter’s List, no action taken. City of Vancouver charged 50 cents per day board for each City prisoner held in the provincial Jail. City unable to pay at this point, but asks that accounts be kept so they can pay in future. Royal City Planing Mills allowed to lay water pipe as requested, though City will have option to acquire it in future as part of civic water works. David Oppenheimer’s letter of May 23 replied to “on account of the want of funds the city is unable to undertake any general improvements.”